17. And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
18. And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord, the God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.
19. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the Lord, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
20. This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.
21. And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had spoken unto them.